Which is the best Royal Caribbean Ship for your family?
Royal Caribbean is known for being one of the best cruise lines for kids, with each ship in their fleet offering kid-friendly attractions. However, some ships are better suited for different age groups. In this blog post, we will highlight the top Royal Caribbean ships for kids of all ages.
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Wondering which Royal Caribbean is perfect for your family? We cover the best ships for babies & toddlers, 3 – 7 years, 8 – 12 and tween & teens.
Best Royal Caribbean ship for babies and toddlers: Freedom of the Seas
If you are planning a family cruise holiday and have babies or toddlers in tow, finding the right ship that caters to their needs and ensures their safety is crucial. One ship that stands out in this aspect is Freedom of the Seas. With its range of amenities and activities designed specifically for young children, this Royal Caribbean ship provides an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
1. Royal Babies & Tots Nursery and Baby Splash Zone
Freedom of the Seas offers a dedicated nursery called the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery, where parents can drop off their little ones (aged 6-36 months) in the care of trained professionals. This supervised play area provides a safe and stimulating environment for babies and toddlers to interact with age-appropriate toys and engage in various activities.
In addition to the nursery, Freedom of the Seas also features a Baby Splash Zone, specially designed for youngsters to enjoy water play. The Baby Splash Zone is equipped with gentle water sprays, colourful water features, and fun interactive sculptures. It is the perfect spot for your little ones to cool off and have a splash-tastic time.
2. Plenty of Restaurants and Activities for Adults
While the ship is focused on providing a wonderful experience for babies and toddlers, it also caters to the needs and desires of adult passengers. Freedom of the Seas offers a wide range of dining options, including specialty restaurants, casual eateries, and buffet-style venues. From fine dining to casual snacking, there is something to satisfy every palate.
In terms of activities, adults can indulge in spa treatments, fitness classes, or simply relax by the poolside with a refreshing cocktail. The ship also features Broadway-style shows, live music performances, and a variety of entertainment options in the onboard theaters and lounges.
3. Kids’ Parades and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
One of the highlights for kids on Freedom of the Seas is the colorful parades that take place down the Royal Promenade. They can join in the fun and excitement, waving flags, dancing to lively music, and watching as the characters come to life. These parades create unforgettable memories for young children, immersing them in a world of joy and imagination.
And what’s a family holiday without a little indulgence in delicious treats? Kids can satisfy their sweet tooth with a visit to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream parlour onboard Freedom of the Seas. With a wide array of flavours and toppings to choose from, it’s the perfect opportunity for kids to indulge in some creamy, cool goodness.
4. Short Bahamas Cruises to Kid-Friendly Destinations
Freedom of the Seas sails short three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas, with stops in Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. These destinations offer a range of family-friendly activities and attractions that are sure to delight both children and parents alike.
Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, boasts beautiful beaches, cultural sites, and exciting water-based activities. Families can explore the underwater world through snorkeling or embark on a pirate-themed adventure at the famous Pirates of Nassau Museum. There are also opportunities for shopping and sampling local cuisine.
Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island, is a haven for kids. With its calm bay and kid-friendly play areas, parents can relax while children enjoy various water slides, splash pads, and even a dedicated water park called Splashaway Bay. The island also offers other exciting activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, and beach volleyball.
5. Manageable Size and Less FOMO
One advantage of choosing Freedom of the Seas for a family holiday with babies and toddlers is the ship’s manageable size. While it still offers a range of amenities and entertainment options, it doesn’t overwhelm with its sheer magnitude. This makes it easier for families to navigate the ship and allows for a more intimate and personalized experience.
Furthermore, traveling with young children often means adhering to their routines and early bedtimes. On a smaller ship like Freedom of the Seas, parents can feel less pressure to participate in late-night activities or worry about missing out on anything while their little ones sleep soundly in the cabin. It provides a more relaxed and stress-free environment for families to enjoy their holiday.
In conclusion, if you have babies or toddlers and are looking for a Royal Caribbean ship that caters to their needs while still providing an enjoyable experience for adults, Freedom of the Seas is the perfect choice. With its dedicated nursery, water play area, diverse dining options, engaging activities, and kid-friendly destinations, this ship ensures that every member of the family has a memorable holiday.
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Best Royal Caribbean ship for little kids (ages 3-7): Icon of the Seas
When it comes to choosing a cruise ship for a family holiday, it’s essential to find one that caters to the needs and preferences of everyone in the family, including the little ones. Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is a perfect choice for families with children aged 3-7, offering a wide range of amenities and activities tailored specifically for young kids. Let’s take a closer look at why Icon of the Seas is the best Royal Caribbean ship for little kids.
A Family-Friendly Oasis
One of the standout features of Icon of the Seas is the Surfside neighbourhood, which is designed to cater to young families. Here, you’ll find a kid’s splash area complete with junior waterslides and interactive water features, providing endless fun for your little adventurers. While the kids splash around, parents can relax in the adjacent infinity pool, enjoying some quality time while keeping an eye on their little ones.
The ship also boasts a beach-themed carousel that will delight both children and adults alike. Taking a ride on the carousel is a great way to create lasting memories with your kids during your cruise. Additionally, the dry playground and arcade on board offer plenty of entertainment options for children of all ages.
Culinary Delights for the Whole Family
Icon of the Seas goes above and beyond to cater to families, and this includes dining options that are suitable for even the pickiest of eaters. The ship features multiple family-friendly restaurants, serving a variety of cuisines to suit every taste. From casual buffets to specialty dining venues, there’s something for everyone.
Whether your little ones prefer pizza, burgers, pasta, or even sushi, you can rest assured that they’ll find something they love on board. The flexible dining options and accommodating staff make mealtime a breeze, ensuring that even the littlest members of your family are well-fed and satisfied.
Conveniently Located Adventure Ocean Kids Club
One of the best aspects of Icon of the Seas for families with young kids is the convenient location of the Adventure Ocean kids club. Surfside, the neighbourhood dedicated to families, is conveniently situated near the kids club. This means that your little ones can easily make their way to the club and participate in the exciting and age-appropriate activities and programs available.
The Adventure Ocean kids club offers supervised play, arts and crafts, interactive games, and even science experiments, ensuring that your children are entertained while you have some adult time. The friendly and trained staff members create a safe and engaging environment, giving parents peace of mind knowing that their kids are enjoying themselves in a fun and supervised setting.
Exciting Onboard Entertainment and Attractions
Icon of the Seas, being a larger and reimagined version of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships, offers an array of entertainment options and attractions that will keep both kids and adults entertained throughout the cruise. From ice skating shows to acrobatic diving performances, there’s no shortage of excitement on board.
The top-deck attractions, including thrilling water slides and pools, are sure to be a hit with the younger audience. Whether it’s splashing around in the pool or soaring down the water slides, your little ones will be smiling from ear to ear as they experience the exhilarating water-based activities.
A Perfect Caribbean Getaway
Icon of the Seas sets sail on weeklong itineraries to the Caribbean from Miami, making it an ideal choice for families looking for a tropical holiday. The ship stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination filled with amazing attractions and activities.
At Perfect Day at CocoCay, families can enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters, building sandcastles on pristine beaches, or taking part in exhilarating water sports. From high-speed water slides and zip lines to relaxing cabanas and delicious beachside dining, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Overall, Icon of the Seas is the ideal Royal Caribbean ship for families with little kids between the ages of 3 and 7. With its family-friendly amenities, convenient location of the kids club, exciting onboard entertainment, and Caribbean itineraries, this ship promises an unforgettable and enjoyable holiday for the entire family.
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Best Royal Caribbean ship for older kids (ages 8-12): Wonder of the Seas
When it comes to finding the best cruise ship for older kids between the ages of 8 and 12, one name that stands out is Wonder of the Seas. This magnificent Royal Caribbean ship offers a wide range of activities and amenities that are specifically designed to cater to the interests of this age group. Whether it’s thrilling adventure, entertainment, or delicious dining options, Wonder of the Seas has it all.
Action-Packed Activities
For older kids who crave excitement and adventure, Wonder of the Seas provides an array of thrilling activities. From rock climbing walls to exhilarating waterslides, there is no shortage of adrenaline-pumping fun. Additionally, the ship features dry slides that offer a unique sliding experience. And if that’s not enough, kids can hit the ice and try their hand at skating in Studio B, where spectacular ice skating shows are held.
Entertainment Extravaganza
Entertainment is a top priority on Wonder of the Seas. Kids can immerse themselves in the world of music and theatre by enjoying the original musical ‘Effectors II,’ a production exclusively created for Royal Caribbean. The show promises to captivate young audiences with its stunning performances and catchy tunes.
Endless Fun and Games
Wonder of the Seas offers a myriad of exciting activities for kids to enjoy. From testing their wits in an escape room to shooting hoops on the sports court, there is something for everyone. Mini-golf enthusiasts can practice their swing on the ship’s minigolf course, while those who prefer whimsical rides can take a spin on the carousel. The ship’s promenade parades are a highlight, allowing kids to join in the festivities or simply watch the vibrant procession. Additionally, an arcade filled with classic and modern games awaits young gamers, providing endless hours of entertainment.
Culinary Delights
Even the pickiest eaters will find something to satisfy their taste buds onboard Wonder of the Seas. The ship boasts a variety of fast casual dining options, including renowned brands like Johnny Rockets and El Loco Fresh. Whether kids are in the mood for juicy burgers or flavourful Mexican cuisine, these eateries offer delicious choices that cater to different preferences. With such a wide selection, meal times become a delightful experience for the whole family.
A Perfect holiday Length
Wonder of the Seas sails on seven-night Caribbean cruises, making it an ideal holiday length for families with older kids. This duration provides ample time for children to fully immerse themselves in the ship’s offerings and explore the exciting destinations the cruise visits. The seven-night itinerary strikes a balance between relaxation and adventure, ensuring a memorable and fulfilling holiday for families.
Overall, Wonder of the Seas truly stands out as the best Royal Caribbean ship for older kids aged 8 to 12. With its diverse range of activities, thrilling entertainment, endless fun, delectable dining options, and perfect holiday length, this ship promises an unforgettable experience for young cruisers. So, if you’re planning a cruise with older kids, make sure to consider Wonder of the Seas for an adventure-filled and unforgettable holiday.
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Best Royal Caribbean ship for tweens and teens: Odyssey of the Seas
When it comes to family cruises, Royal Caribbean is known for providing incredible experiences for all ages. For tweens and teens, the Odyssey of the Seas stands out as one of the best options available. This modern cruise ship offers a wide range of unique attractions and activities that are specifically catered to this age group, ensuring that they have the time of their lives onboard.
Thrilling Adventures for Thrill-Seekers
One of the highlights of the Odyssey of the Seas is the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator. This innovative attraction allows tweens and teens to experience the thrill of skydiving in a safe and controlled environment. The sensation of floating in the wind tunnel will surely leave them with unforgettable memories.
Another exciting feature is the Sky Pad VR bungee trampoline. This one-of-a-kind activity combines virtual reality with a trampoline, creating a unique and exhilarating experience. Kids can bounce and soar through virtual worlds, immersing themselves in a whole new dimension of fun.
Endless Fun at SeaPlex
The ship’s SeaPlex is a multi-purpose indoor activity space that offers an array of options for tweens and teens. Here, they can enjoy a game of basketball, test their skills at table tennis, or have a thrilling ride in the bumper cars. The arcade is also a favourite spot where kids can try their luck at various games and win prizes.
For those who are into virtual reality, the SeaPlex features a dedicated play space where tweens and teens can dive into immersive digital worlds. From thrilling adventures to mind-bending puzzles, this virtual-reality space offers endless entertainment.
Social 180: The Ultimate Teen Hangout
Teenagers often seek places where they can socialize and make new friends. On the Odyssey of the Seas, Social 180 is the perfect spot for teens to hang out. This dedicated space features an indoor lounge with comfortable seating, where they can relax and chat with their peers.
In addition to the indoor area, Social 180 also has an outdoor patio, providing a refreshing outdoor environment where teens can soak up the sun or enjoy some fresh air while socializing. This inclusive and welcoming atmosphere ensures that teens have a space of their own to enjoy throughout the cruise.
Classic Royal Caribbean Attractions
In addition to the unique features mentioned above, the Odyssey of the Seas also offers classic Royal Caribbean attractions that are loved by all age groups. The FlowRider, a simulated surfing experience, allows tweens and teens to ride the waves and show off their skills.
The rock climbing wall is another thrilling activity, where kids can challenge themselves and reach new heights. For those seeking adrenaline-pumping action, the laser tag arena provides an exciting battle experience.
Furthermore, the Odyssey of the Seas hosts outdoor movie nights, allowing families to gather under the stars and enjoy a cinematic experience like no other.
Exploring the World with Odyssey of the Seas
The Odyssey of the Seas offers a variety of itineraries, including weeklong Caribbean cruises and European voyages. This means that families have more options when it comes to planning their adventures with teens.
Whether it’s exploring the pristine beaches of the Caribbean or immersing themselves in the rich history and culture of Europe, teens can embark on exciting journeys to new destinations. These itineraries provide a perfect balance between relaxation and exploration, giving families and teens the opportunity to create lifelong memories together.
Overall, the Odyssey of the Seas is undoubtedly one of the best Royal Caribbean ships for tweens and teens. With its unique attractions, dedicated spaces for teens, and classic Royal Caribbean experiences, this ship offers an adventure-filled holiday that will leave teenagers eager to set sail again. No matter which itinerary they choose, families can be confident that their teenagers will have an unforgettable and thrilling cruise experience onboard the Odyssey of the Seas.
Best Royal Caribbean ship for families heading to Alaska: Quantum of the Seas
When it comes to planning a family holiday to Alaska, choosing the right cruise ship is crucial. With its unique amenities and exciting activities, Quantum of the Seas stands out as our top pick for families heading to Alaska.
Indoor Activities for the Whole Family
Quantum of the Seas offers an array of indoor activities that are perfect for families. Kids will have a blast at the kids clubs, where they can engage in fun and educational activities while making new friends. For those seeking a thrill, the ship features a skydiving simulator that will give you an adrenaline rush like no other. And at SeaPlex, families can enjoy activities like roller skating, bumper cars, and even flying trapeze lessons.
The North Star: A Spectacular Sightseeing Experience
One of the highlights of Quantum of the Seas is the North Star. This unique attraction allows guests to take a ride in a glass capsule that extends over the side of the ship, providing breathtaking 360-degree views of Alaska’s stunning landscapes. From towering glaciers to majestic mountains, the North Star offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the natural beauty of Alaska.
Two70: An Observation Lounge like No Other
If you’re looking for a relaxing way to enjoy the scenic beauty of Alaska, you’ll love Two70. This indoor observation lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of fjords, glaciers, and wildlife. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail or simply taking in the scenery, Two70 provides the perfect vantage point for cruising through Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes.
Convenient Round-Trip Cruises from Seattle
Quantum of the Seas sails seven-night round-trip cruises from Seattle, making it a convenient option for families with limited holiday time. Instead of spending hours travelling to and from the port, families can enjoy a hassle-free holiday by embarking and disembarking in the same city. This allows for more time to explore Alaska’s wonders and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Additional Entertainment for the Whole Family
Aside from its remarkable indoor activities, Quantum of the Seas offers even more entertainment options for families. Engage in a challenging escape room experience that will test your problem-solving skills, or challenge each other to a friendly game of laser tag. These additional activities ensure that there is never a dull moment on board for both kids and adults.
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